Calendar Of Events Books

The Bookstore in the Grove hosts "Local Author Night," featuring six Miami-based authors sharing their stories, their love of writing, books they have published and where their inspiration came from. Following short presentations, they will be available to answer reader questions in a question-and-answer session. 7-9 p.m. The Bookstore in the Grove, 3390 Mary St., Coconut Grove. Free to attend. Details: (305) 443-2855 or www.thebookstoreinthegrove.com.

SAYING NO

"Saying No and Letting Go" by Rabbi Edwin Goldberg aims to help readers regain control of the things that matter most in their lives. It recommends using Jewish wisdom that teaches how to hold on to the things that matter most while learning to slowly let go of the demands, worries, activities and conflicts that do not matter. 6:30 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

HEART OF PALM

"Heart of Palm" by Laura Lee Smith opens on a July day, as Frank Bravo, dutiful middle son, is awakened by a distress call. Frank dreams of escaping to cool mountain rivers, but alas, he’s never been away from the family restaurant he manages every day and the decrepit, hostile house he was raised in. Little do any of them know that Utina is about to meet the tide of development that has already engulfed the rest of Northeast Florida. When opportunity knocks, each of the Bravos is forced to confront the tragedies of their shared past. 8 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Friday 4/12

DRUNKEN BOTANIST

"The Drunken Botanist" by Amy Stewart details the botanical history and the science and chemistry of over 150 plants, flowers, trees, fruits, and even a few fungi. With a two-color vintage-style interior, over 50 drink recipes, growing tips for gardeners, and advice on using these for cocktails. 8 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Saturday 4/13

COUNTING BREATHS

Deena Hoagland’s "Breaths that Count" shares her journey as the mother of a critically ill child who finds that the friendship of dolphins provides her with the answers to help her son. Hoagland is director and founder of Island Dolphin Care, a not-for-profit organization in Key Largo. 5 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

CLOVER HOUSE

"The Clover House" by Henriette Lazaridis Power is a debut novel about World War II-era and modern-day Greece — and tells the story of a vibrant family and the tragic secret kept hidden for generations. 7 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

In "Maya Architecture: Temples in the Sky," architect Ken Treister discusses the ways in which ancient Maya structures have influenced current forms of design and construction. By observing these ancient cities, he seeks to unlock the secret of the Mayas’ mysterious collapse. In their buildings, he claims to find not only the mortar that held their civilization together but the competitiveness that was the cause of its ruin as well. 8 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Tuesday 4/16

RELUCTANT REPUBLICAN

"The Reluctant Republican" traces Barbara Olschner’s failed campaign for Congress and her feeling that the current leadership of her party demands strict adherence to its ideology. In her opinion, not only are different viewpoints not tolerated, but those who espouse them are vilified for their disloyalty. 6:30 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Wednesday 4/17

BEING YOURSELF

Sarah Dessen’s "What Happened to Goodbye" tells of Mclean and her father constantly on the move after her parents’ divorce. Each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out. Author present, ticket required for price of book ($9.99). 7 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

Dave Liniger had it all: four successful children, an adventurous lifetime, and a successful company, RE/MAX, a prominent real estate brand. And then everything changed. Doctors discovered he had an infection along his spine that left him paralyzed from the neck down and in awful pain. Liniger’s "My Next Step" chronicles how he found reserves of strength to fight through his pain. His mantra became "just 10 steps." If he could take 10 steps, he could take 20. If he could take 20, he could walk a mile. After three critical surgeries and six months in the hospital, he finally returned home to heal and run his company. 6:30 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.

TRACING ROOTS

"The Forgetting River" by American journalist Doreen Carvajal, who works to uncover her family’s long-buried Jewish ancestry in Spain. Raised a Catholic, New York Times journalist Doreen Carvajal is shocked when she discovers that her background might actually be connected to Jews who were forced to renounce their faith and convert to Christianity or face torture and death during the Inquisition. She travels to the south of Spain to investigate her lineage and recover her family’s original religious heritage. 8 p.m. Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Details: (305) 442-4408 or www.booksandbooks.com.